The term miracles (dúnamis) refers to mighty deeds often referred to as signs and wonders. Miracles are acts of God whereby He performs something supernatural or that sets asides the laws of nature. Miracles have no natural explanation.
Those whom the Holy Spirit graced with the gift of miracles had the supernatural ability to heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons. The gift of miracles was a one of the proofs of Apostleship.
The ability to perform miracles authenticated that the revelation spoken by the Apostle was from God. Besides the Twelve Apostles, others such as Stephen, Philip, and Paul performed miracles.
Though the gift of miracles has ceased, miracles still occur today. Today, God performs miracles through prayer, not through people. For a further discussion on the occurrence of modern miracles, consider Craig Keener’s two volume work — Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts.
Those whom the Holy Spirit graced with the gift of miracles had the supernatural ability to heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons. The gift of miracles was a one of the proofs of Apostleship.
- The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. - 2 Corinthians 12:12
The ability to perform miracles authenticated that the revelation spoken by the Apostle was from God. Besides the Twelve Apostles, others such as Stephen, Philip, and Paul performed miracles.
- And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. - Acts 6:8
- …as they heard and saw the signs which [Philip] was performing. For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. - Acts 8:6-7
- God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. - Acts 19:11-12
Though the gift of miracles has ceased, miracles still occur today. Today, God performs miracles through prayer, not through people. For a further discussion on the occurrence of modern miracles, consider Craig Keener’s two volume work — Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts.
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